Chicago Pitches to Host World Cup Matches if Guadalajara Unsafe

Mayor Brandon Johnson reaches out to FIFA as Mexican cartel violence threatens Guadalajara's hosting duties.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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With the El Mencho cartel threatening security in Guadalajara, Mexico, the city's ability to host World Cup soccer matches this summer is in jeopardy. The editorial board of the Chicago Tribune is urging Mayor Brandon Johnson to reach out to FIFA and pitch Chicago as a substitute host city, highlighting the city's existing infrastructure, transportation hub, and passionate soccer fan base as key advantages.

Why it matters

Chicago has long been overlooked as a potential World Cup host, despite being a major soccer city. This could be an opportunity for the city to step up and showcase its capabilities on the global stage, while also providing a safe and secure environment for players and fans if the situation in Guadalajara proves untenable.

The details

The editorial cites Soldier Field's history of hosting World Cup games, Chicago's abundance of hotels, and the city's well-connected international airport as key factors that make it an ideal substitute host. It also notes the large Mexican American population in Chicago that would likely flock to the games, as well as the city's plans to build a new stadium for its local professional soccer team.

  • The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to take place from June to July.
  • Guadalajara was slated to host four World Cup matches at Estadio Guadalajara this summer.

The players

Brandon Johnson

The mayor of Chicago who the editorial board is urging to reach out to FIFA about hosting World Cup matches.

FIFA

The international governing body of association football, which is responsible for organizing the World Cup.

El Mencho

The leader of the Mexican cartel that is threatening security in Guadalajara, potentially jeopardizing the city's ability to host World Cup matches.

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What they’re saying

“Chicago should let FIFA know it stands ready to help.”

— The Editorial Board (chicagotribune.com)

What’s next

If the security situation in Guadalajara does not improve, FIFA will need to decide whether to move the four scheduled matches to a different location. The editorial suggests that Mayor Brandon Johnson should proactively reach out to FIFA to pitch Chicago as a potential substitute host city.

The takeaway

This editorial highlights Chicago's potential to step up and host World Cup matches if Guadalajara is unable to do so, showcasing the city's infrastructure, transportation, and passionate soccer fan base as key advantages. It represents an opportunity for Chicago to assert itself as a major player on the global soccer stage.